Sight loss charity campaigns for a better life.
The Royal National Institute of Blind people (RNIB) campaigns on a whole raft of issues to improve the lives of visually impaired people. Our monthly update, for September, is encouraging more young people and families to get involved, results of an accessible voting survey and an A-Board success. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jessica Hall from RNIB's Campaigns team to get the lat...
10m Sep 04, 2017
10m
Vidar Hjardeng reviews 'Julius Ceaser'
ITV's Vidar Hjardeng reviews the AD performance of 'Julius Ceaser', Shakespeare’s epic political tragedy, as the race to claim the empire spirals out of control. Director Angus Jackson steers the thrilling action as Caesar returns from war, all-conquering, but mutiny is rumbling through the corridors of power. Vidar is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley.
11m Sep 01, 2017
11m
Free movie festival featuring audio description.
Into Film is the world's largest movie festival for children and young people. This year's event in November will feature a wide range of titles with audio description for those who are blind or partially sighted. There will also be workshops and interviews with individuals from the industry. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Sam Wilson, from Into Film, to find out more. #RNIBConnect
6m Sep 01, 2017
6m
Are shared space projects dangerous?
More and more councils are looking at shared spaces to improve the aesthetics of our town and city centres. The charity Guide Dogs are now 1 of many organisations that believe they are dangerous to pedestrians and that planners are not listening to public concerns. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Helen Honsvet, from Guide Dogs, to find out why they are calling for a monitorium on p...
9m Sep 01, 2017
9m
Promising eye drop treatment could replace injections for wet AMD
Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a way of treating Wet AMD without injecting the eye? Well a new treatment is on the Horizon. Simon Pauley spoke to Francesca Cordeiro, professor of Glaucoma & Retinal Neurodegeneration Studies at UCL, who is working on just that……
11m Aug 31, 2017
11m
What is colour blindness?
Professor Gordon Heron, Head of the Department of Vision Sciences at Glasgow Caledonian University, explains the different types of colour blindness and how it can be identified and also the different perceptions people have about the condition. Professor Heron is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley.
9m Aug 31, 2017
9m
The Death of Diana - A Talking Books Special
Read by Jim Broadbent exclusively for RNIB Talking Books, the Death of Diana by David Lodge is the author's reflections of Diana as a public figure and an attempt to understand the outpouring of grief felt 20 years ago.
28m Aug 31, 2017
28m
Delicious recipe for an avocado and salmon starter
Our brilliant blind chef Ian Jentle makes a beautiful and healthy dish! Avocado and salmon starter... #recipe #food #RNIBConnect
7m Aug 29, 2017
7m
New Chair for RNIB.
The Royal National Institute of Blind people (RNIB) has appointed Ellie Southwood as its new Chair. Ellie has a long career in commerce and as a Councillor in North London.RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Ellie, to learn more about her background, thoughts on the charity's work as well as her hopes and aspirations while in post.#RNIBConnect
22m Aug 29, 2017
22m
The Book Group - A Month in the Country by J.L. Carr
This month the group discuss J.L. Carr's A Moth in the Country. A damaged survivor of the First World War, Tom Birkin finds refuge in the quiet village church of Oxgodby where he is to spend the summer uncovering a huge medieval wall-painting. Immersed in the peace and beauty of the countryside and the unchanging rhythms of village life he experiences a sense of renewal and belief in the futur...
34m Aug 25, 2017
34m
Sensory centre has it all under 1 roof.
The Forth Valley Sensory Centre, near Falkirk, aims to provide a comprehensive range of services, activities and support for people who have sight or hearing loss. The modern building is warm and welcoming for individuals, their family and friends and the highly skilled staff are on hand to assist with all enquiries. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jackie Winning, Centre Manager, to...
8m Aug 23, 2017
8m
Sight loss charity launches apprenticeship scheme.
The UK's leading sight loss charity is offering a number of brand new apprenticeships to visually impaired people, aged 16 years and over. The openings will include paid work experience and study towards a recognised qualification. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Lindsay Pitcher, from RNIB, to learn more about the openings and why people need to get their applications in by 28 Augus...
6m Aug 23, 2017
6m
It's our monthly Audio Described theatre taster.
Each month, Anne Hornsby from MindsEye Arts joins us to look at some touring theatre shows that will be audio described for visually impaired patrons. This month's taster includes Dirty Dancing and Rita, Sue and Bob Too. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Anne to find out what her recommendations are for August and September... #RNIBConnect
9m Aug 23, 2017
9m
New free app to improve customer service.
Tech innovators NeateBox are dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities. The newest addition to their stable is an app called Welcome that will help service providers, like shops, bars and medical practices, provide a high level of support for customers with a wide range of additional needs. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Gavin Neate, the man behind the company, t...
15m Aug 22, 2017
15m
How do you find a home when you are blind?
At some point, many of us will stretch our wings and look for our own home. Whether it's going to study, rent or buy, it's a difficult decision with lots of things to take into account. If you are blind or partially sighted that can pose its own issues when finding a suitable property. A new guide has been created by researchers, working for the Thomas Pocklington Trust and RNIB Connect Radio's...
13m Aug 21, 2017
13m
Bizzare news - Tomato Head
RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley caught up with blind journalist Paul Bryce for more quirky & alternative news stories from around the globe, including one about a Papa New Guinea wannabe politician, who the public have given the name Mr Tomato Head.
7m Jul 26, 2017
7m
Blind Dave reaches the half-way point of his 2017 challenge
Blind Dave Heeley has taken part in numerous endurances races, including the energy sapping Marathon Des Sables & the World Marathon Challenge, so he is no stranger to challenges. His latest challenge however, is the Great Run challenge, which sees Dave attempt to complete every great run in 2017. RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley caught up with Dave to see how it's been going.
8m Jul 26, 2017
8m
Can Magnesium Help Depression?
Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick looks behind the medical headlines, including a story which suggests magnesium can help with depression? Elizabeth is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley.
14m Jul 25, 2017
14m
Stay Healthy This Summer
Pharmacist Elizabeth Roddick has some tips & advice for people travelling abroad this summer . She is talking to RNIB Connect Radio's Simon Pauley.
12m Jul 25, 2017
12m
National Convention attracts thousands.
Each year the National Federation of the Blind, in the USA, holds an annual convention in Orlando. The event hosts around 3,000 delegates who attend a myriad of breakout sessions, specialist talks and a technology zone. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Chris Danielsen, NFB PR Director, to look back at this year's event. #RNIBConnect
10m Jul 24, 2017
10m
Smart glasses guide the blind.
They're not Sci-Fi, AIRA Smart Glasses link to operators, who can assist the blind wearer. Whether they need something read to them, like a menu, or guided through a busy airport, the system is real time and makes a real difference to visually impaired people. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Kevin Phelan, AIRA, to learn more about the new glasses and how much it costs to use the ser...
8m Jul 24, 2017
8m
Penny is a Holman Prize winner!
Penny Melville-Brown lost her sight while serving in the Royal Navy. Since then she had a dream to bring ‘Baking Blind’ to blind & partially sighted people across the world. Penny’s dream earned her a nomination for The Holman Prize for Blind Ambition, which funds the dreams and ambitions of blind people worldwide. RNIB’s Kris Wallace has been catching up with Penny to find out how she did…
8m Jul 21, 2017
8m
Fund raising with an adrenalin kick.
Mark Baxter is hooked on fund raising for various sensory charities, but likes to push himself. He looks for adrenalin packed challenges to push his limits and encourage more donations. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Mark to find out about his latest challenge, what's next and why he does it!... #RNIBConnect
6m Jul 21, 2017
6m
Become a Guide Dogs high street hero.
The charity, Guide Dogs, is looking for your help to make refusals at places like cafes and bars, a thing of the past for assistance dogs and their owners. The campaign will educate staff on the rules around accepting guide dogs and ask them to put a welcoming sticker in their window. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Ellen Buckerfield from the charity to find out more. #RNIBConnect
6m Jul 21, 2017
6m
Blind Chef makes the perfect Victoria Sponge Cake
In our latest instalment of recipes from our Blind Chef, Ian Jentle tells special guest host Robert Meikle how to make the perfect victoria sponge cake. A tasty treat to brighten your day!
11m Jul 20, 2017
11m
James Wannerton - the man who tastes music
Do you like good music? A bit of melodic piano, or maybe a soulful voice? It’s good for the ears…but what about the taste? Synaesthesia effects a large portion of the population but it is still a strange phenomenon that people don’t really understand. RNIB Connect Radio’s Kris Wallace has been speaking to President of the UK Synaesthesia Association to find out more about this peculiar condition.
7m Jul 20, 2017
7m
Life as a blind choir singer
Dorothy Oliver loves nothing better than to sing and over the years has been a member of various choirs. Unfortunately her sight loss has, at times, made this difficult and many choirs have seen unable to facilitate a blind member. RNIB Connect Radio's Iain Wilson spoke with Dorothy to find out more.
10m Jul 19, 2017
10m
RNIB at Sight Village
QAC Sight Village has been described as “the premier exhibition for blind and partially-sighted people in the UK” and as ”the country’s leading expo of access tech solutions”. Each July thousands of visitors travel to Birmingham to find out at first hand the latest technology, products and support services available to people who are blind or partially-sighted. RNIB's Technology officer Mohamm...
6m Jul 19, 2017
6m
Ian Jentle's perfect chicken skewers
In the third and final part of our Blind Chef's complete Indian meal Ian Jentle prepares the perfect marinated chicken skewers to go along with your Gujarati Carrot Salad and Gujarati Green Beans from previous episodes. It can get messy...but it is delicious!
8m Jul 19, 2017
8m
Making bus travel easier for visually impaired people.
The Swap With Me project aims to let drivers understand the difficulties, faced by blind and partially sighted people, when it comes to travelling on buses. It also lets the passengers experience the demands that go along with driving a bus and the responsibilities of driving on today's roads. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Cate Vallis, from RNIB Scotland, and Ian Bell, from Stagec...
6m Jul 18, 2017
6m
UK's leading sight loss charity is always campaigning.
Each month we speak to the Royal National Institute of Blind People )RNIB) and learn about their latest campaigns. They tackle everything from poor access to voting to welfare issues and they're always looking for volunteers to get involved in their work to improve the everyday lives of people with sight loss. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Jessica Hall, from RNIB, to learn more......
7m Jul 18, 2017
7m
Improved tech device helps visually impaired people.
The OrCam system uses a tiny camera, mounted on glasses, to read text, street or shop names and even recognise faces. The device has been further developed over the past few years to give a unique solution to many issues faced by people who are blind or partially sighted. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Mark Swain from OrCam to learn more about the portable device... #RNIBConnect
13m Jul 17, 2017
13m
Parking on pavements can be dangerous!
The charity Guide Dogs is one of many, campaigning to have the law improved to tackle vehicles parking on pavements. Visually impaired people, parents with prams and those with mobility problems are often forced to walk onto busy roads in order to continue their journey because their path is blocked. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Chris Theobald from Guide Dogs to learn how the pub...
7m Jul 17, 2017
7m
Ian Jentle's Gujarati Green Beans
In the second part of Blind Chef Ian Jentle's complete Indian meal series he instructs us on how to prepare a perfectly spicy Gujarati Green Bean dish. Tune in to a later episode to hear all about the concluding meal in the series.
7m Jul 12, 2017
7m
Blind Chef Ian Jentle's Gujarati Carrot Salad
In the first of 3 recipes to create a delicious Indian Meal Ian Jentle presents his favourite Gujarati Carrot Salad. A perfect starter, or accompanier, to any Indian meal. Be sure to check out the second dish to this meal in a future episode.
8m Jul 10, 2017
8m
Ooooh, that's annoying!
Morning Mix contributor takes a hilarious look at the silly things that can annoy people within the blind & partially sighted community.
13m Jul 07, 2017
13m
Blind Chef Ian Jentle prepares the perfect Venison Steak
In another of his series of recipes Blind Chef Ian Jentle prepares a Venison Steak in honour of his wife who has just completed the Coast To Coast walk.
8m Jul 07, 2017
8m
The Book Group - Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson
This month the group discuss a book voted as 'the best book about Britain' . Do they agree with that, and did they enjoy it? Join our group of blind and partially sighted readers in the Book Group. #LoveAudio
34m Jul 05, 2017
34m
Self-defence and martial arts for the blind?
You may not think that someone who is blind, could become proficient in self-defence skills or in several styles of martial arts, but it's not that uncommon. David Black is not only a skilled cook, in his daytime job, but the blind fitness enthusiast has also started teaching self-defence classes for blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to David to learn ...
8m Jul 05, 2017
8m
Technology can make a world of difference.
Gavin Neate, a former instructor with Guide Dogs, set up his own company to create apps that can improve the everyday lives of people with disabilities. From apps that can operate traffic crossings to helping make your visit to the shops easier, the company has grown it's product range and scooped prestigious awards along the way. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Gavin to find out ho...
11m Jul 05, 2017
11m
Singing out about preventable sight loss with the #EyeTestKaraoke
By all accounts the RNIB Eye Test Karaoke, which was a feature of this year’s Glastonbury festival, was a huge success in providing music lovers a great time AND encouraging them to look after their eyesight. RNIB’s Steve Greenberg was one of the architects of the initiative and he has been talking to RNIB Brand Ambassador Kris Wallace about the reach of the Eye Test Karaoke and the impact of ...
10m Jul 04, 2017
10m
Sight loss charity's campaigns update
Each month Jessica Hall speaks to RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell, to tell us about the organisations campaigning work. This month there are big wins for shared space projects and follow ups on sight loss surveys. There are also opportunities for the public to get involved in current campaigns or let the team know what problems they face, as visually impaired people, on a day to day basis. #...
7m Jul 04, 2017
7m
RNIB volunteer nominated for technology award
Christine Dodds is visually impaired and, in the past, received support and training to use smart devices like phones and tablets. It made such a difference to her life, that she is now a volunteer trainer helping other blind and partially sighted people use the technology. Her work has been recognised by a nomination for a technology award, run by BT and the charity AbilityNet. RNIB Connect Ra...
6m Jul 04, 2017
6m
Opening up movies for the blind.
Audio Description (AD) is an audio track that plays, via headphones, describing what is physically happening, during actor's dialogue, on television and cinemas screens. This is delivered using equipment that the cinemas install in each theatre room. The UK's leading sight loss charity, RNIB, is looking for blind film buffs to trial a new way of delivering the AD via their smart phones or table...
7m Jul 03, 2017
7m
Europe's largest exhibition for visually impaired people.
Sight Village 2017 will arrive in Birmingham on 18 July, for 2 days. There will be a mix of high, and low, tech along with a wide range of services to help and support blind and partially sighted people. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Karen Easthope, from organisers Queen Alexandra College, to find out what's in store and how to get there. #RNIBConnect
6m Jun 30, 2017
6m
Venice arts event increases accessibility.
The British Council will once again present a ground breaking art installation at its Pavilion, for this year's Venice Biennale. They are also making the area more accessible for blind visitors, by providing audio description to enhance the visitor experience. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Emma Dexter, from the British Council, and Toby Davey, from audio description providers Voca...
8m Jun 29, 2017
8m
The benefits of Prizmo Go
Prizmo Go is a stylish new app for iOS devices, that uses your camera to capture text from a page and turn it into digital text, which you can then edit and copy and share to your heart’s content. RNIB Connect Radio's Iain Wilson spoke with Paul Porter, from RNIB's Technology For Life team, to find out more.
6m Jun 27, 2017
6m
Blind comic gets ready for laughs.
Tom Skelton thought his successful career as a stand-up comic was over, when he began to lose his eyesight. His comedy group encouraged him to carry on and not let it stand in the way of his work and even incorporate his poor sight into his routines. Now Tom is getting ready to appear at the world famous Edinburgh International Comedy Festival 2017. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to T...
9m Jun 27, 2017
9m
Save your driving licence and get your eyes checked.
We are encouraged to get our eyes checked at least once every 2 years to promote good eye health and spot any early signs of eye disease. The check could also spot potential, future, problems that could lead to drivers losing their licence. So why are we so bad at doing this? RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Fiona Powell, from RNIB, to find out more... #RNIBConnect
11m Jun 27, 2017
11m
10 year old's 100 day fundraising challenge.
Hester Poole is a 10 year old, visually impaired skier, who excels in her sport. Her ambition is to become a Paralympic skier and, to date, has won numerous competitions with the help of a sighted guide. Her team needs to raise funds and Hester's decided to take on the 100 sports in 100 days challenge. RNIB Connect Radio's Allan Russell spoke to Hester to find out what she loves about the spor...
7m Jun 27, 2017
7m